The Ruling on Buying Copyrighted Books and Printing Rights

Question:
The questioner asks: What is the ruling on buying copyrighted books, which are known among people as pirated editions? And is there anything in the Shari'ah known as printing rights for Islamic books?

Answer:
Yes, these printing rights belong to the author, because he is the one who wrote the book and labored over it, so it is his property. Therefore, it is not permissible for anyone to print it without his permission, and one must not encroach upon it, especially if the book states that the printing rights are reserved. It is not permissible for anyone to encroach upon it by photocopying or printing it without his permission. Just as it is not permissible for someone to take your garment or your clothing or any of your property, it is not permissible for him to encroach upon your work by printing it, selling it, or distributing it without your permission.